Penn Arts and Sciences – PHENND https://phennd.org We are a network of over 25 colleges and universities that strengthens service learning in Philadelphia, connecting academics with community involvement. Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:40:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 New Summer Program for Middle Schoolers: Future Scientists: Biology Edition – Jun 1 https://phennd.org/update/new-summer-program-for-middle-schoolers-future-scientists-biology-edition-jun-1/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:40:16 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87630 New this year, Penn Arts and Sciences is offering an on-campus summer program for middle school students – Future Scientists: Biology Edition. Students currently in 7th or 8th grade during the 2025-2026 academic year are eligible to apply for this summer. The program is designed to give students a taste of life in a molecular biology lab—all participants will explore the topics hands-on.

Through supervised experiments, participants will gain familiarity with common tools and experimental techniques used in molecular biology research, meet Penn researchers, and tour Penn laboratories. Techniques include DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, light microscopy, ELISA, and sterile cell culture.

Choose from two sessions:

  • Monday, July 6, 2026 – Friday, July 10, 2026
  • Monday, August 10, 2026 – Friday, August 14, 2026

This program is taught by Dr. Hanna Sherrill, the Associate Director of the Science Outreach Initiative. Class meets in Leidy Labs on Penn’s campus, and students will receive a lab coat to keep, eat lunch daily in a University dining hall, and earn a Certificate of Completion.

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026 (Apply by May 15 to save $300 off tuition.)

Ready to apply? Parents are required to complete the online application. We accept applications on a rolling basis until all seats are full; limited space is available.

For questions about this new program, please contact the Penn Arts and Sciences program team at middleschoolprograms@sas.upenn.edu or (215) 746-2309.

Learn more and apply.

Please note that Penn employee tuition benefits do not apply to this program.

]]> Penn Research Experience for High School Students (formerly Penn LENS) – Mar 16 https://phennd.org/update/penn-research-experience-for-high-school-students-formerly-penn-lens-mar-16/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:59:38 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=85325 The Penn Research Experience for High School Students (formerly Penn LENS) is looking for scientifically curious students who would like an authentic research experience. The PREHSS program was previously known as Penn LENS (Penn Laboratory Experiences in the Natural Sciences) but has been renamed to better describe the program and its participants.

Current 10th and 11th graders from Philadelphia School District, charter schools, and other schools by invitation will join Penn labs to participate in research under mentored guidance. The program is free, even transportation is covered, and students receive a $1500 financial award.

The application requires students to write a short essay, submit a transcript, and one letter of recommendation.

The final date for applications is March 16, 2025.

Learn more and apply.

Informational flyer.

]]> Knowledge by the Slice: Is Flint a Signal of Things to Come? Sept. 26 https://phennd.org/update/knowledge-by-the-slice-is-flint-a-signal-of-things-to-come-sept-26/ Sat, 21 Sep 2019 14:58:18 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=63700 Is Flint a Signal of Things to Come? Our Nation’s Water Infrastructure Issues

Howard Neukrug, Professor of Practice, Earth and Environmental Science, and Executive Director of The Water Center at Penn

It’s no secret that the U.S. water infrastructure is failing. Flint, Michigan; Newark, New Jersey; and other cities are experiencing serious water crises. In his talk, Howard Neukrug, the former Commissioner and CEO of Philadelphia Water, will explain the underlying factors that led to these water crises and what can be done to minimize similar problems in the future.

Thursday, September 26 • Noon

Amado Recital Hall, Irvine Auditorium
3401 Spruce Street, Philadelphia

Penn Arts & Sciences’ Knowledge by the Slice lunchtime series offers engaging talks led by faculty experts. Did we mention there’s pizza? So sit back, relax, and have a slice on us.

Livestream Knowledge by the Slice on Facebook or Twitter @PennSAS.

WATCH PAST LECTURES »

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